Bambie Ray Robinson
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Bambie Ray Robinson (born 6 March 1993), known by their stage name Bambie Thug, is an Irish singer-songwriter. They are known to mix numerous genres in their music, coining their own term, "ouija-pop", out of disdain for being put into one genre. Robinson's music has been inspired by various subjects, including breakups, witchcraft, and drug addiction.
Robinson is representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 after winning the Irish national final Eurosong 2024 with "Doomsday Blue". Following their victory in Eurosong 2024, both the song and Robinson have gained widespread media coverage, especially within local Irish media, drawing praise and criticism from various Irish personalities and groups.
Quotes
"Do you know what makes me special? I'm a queer, and I'm a WITCH."[1][2]
Personal Life
As a child, Robinson was diagnosed with ADHD. They currently reside in East London. In their spare time, Robinson has occasionally worked as a party princess at events for disabled children. Robinson has described themself in their personal life as "not a very angry person", instead bottling up anger for their musical performances.
Robinson identifies as non-binary. They have stated on numerous occasions their experiences on being a member of the LGBTQ+ community and being LGBTQ+ in the music industry. In an interview with Gay Times, Robinson stated, "I like being part of a cool queer rising scene. I also didn't have that growing up so it's important to have people you can relate to and have music that speaks to you and allows you more freedom to be yourself – more queer voices is what the world fucking needs."
Robinson practices neopagan witchcraft, particularly sigil and manifestation magic. They have also stated to have done blood magic during their period, stating that it is "an offering of your own blood onto a spout and it's also really good for your skin". Witchcraft has had a major influence on Robinson's music; numerous spells and hexes are included in various songs, with Robinson making their own sigil as their own official logo.
Robinson has expressed support for the exclusion of Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 as a result of the Israel–Hamas war. Basing their argument over the exclusion of Russia from the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, Robinson stated in the Irish Examiner, "When things were going on with Ukraine, Russia wasn't allowed to enter, so I don't think there should be a rule for one and a different for another." However, they have also stated that the decision to exclude Israel should be left to the European Broadcasting Union.